I started my UK Records in the early 70s partly because I thought all the big labels were run by idiots with no ears! Had I been approached I'd have signed Roxy Music (and Queen) like a shot. As I would have in 2000 had I become, as offered, global Chairman of EMI with One Direction, Adele and Ed Sheeran.

Well at least they sent back a free album I suppose..

I guess the 70’s were the age of a lot of pure pop & bubblegum..
Usually producer created singles aimed squarely at the charts and
Radio Airplay.

Names that dominated the early/mid 70’s

Tony Macauley (Anthony Instone), Geoff Stephens, Gerry Shury, Phil Swern, Ron Roker, John Macleod, John Carter (John Shakespeare), Jonathan King, Roger Cook, Roger Greenaway, Barry Mason, Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman, Mickie Most, Les Reed, Mike Leander, Bill Martin, Phil Coulter.

Could this letter read any more pompously to 2021 readers? My goodness, I thought pop music was just fun & not to be taken quite so seriously!

I suspect it may be an April Fool's joke. James Last indeed!!!

It's delicious especially James Last & his Polka Party (which I want to hear right now )

I recall a meeting with the (dreaded) A&R section of Innervision Records (one person & small desk) & he said "what we want is a young black band like Musical Youth who can write another song like this" and he got the hump when I said Pass The Dutchie( so loved it) was not their original song. Then he asked me if I knew what a "dutchie" was. I despair.

And he wonders why Wham fled their label.

here it is in absence of Polka Party (so sweet to think all Musical Youth are middle aged gents now !)



OMG !!!! I found Polka Party !!! (Gawd how dreary it is)